Melinda R. Weathers (BA, Texas A&M University , 2003; MA, University of Houston , 2008) is a graduate student in the Department of Communication at George Mason University . She recently completed her MA in Health Communication at the University of Houston (UH), where she taught/assisted in public speaking, communication theory, and technical communications courses.

Her current research focuses on exploring communication competence, social support, perceived coping, and religious coping among Hispanic family members caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's Disease. She also has worked with a team of UH faculty members and graduate students to prepare a grant proposal on a computerized support tool for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimers Disease for the National Alzheimers Association. Her graduate work has been presented at numerous conferences, including the Central States Communication Association, Southern States Communication Association, and the Texas Speech Communication Association conferences.